Panthers v Knights preview

Embed from Getty Images

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights Saturday 5:30pm at Carrington Park, Bathurst / Wiradjuri

The Panthers and Knights renew their rivalry in Bathurst on Saturday evening, a regional clash that sees Penrith host their annual home game away from BlueBet Stadium. 

Since 1998, these two sides have met 43 times, with Penrith holding a slight edge with 22 wins to Newcastle's 19, along with two draws. But recent history has been far more one-sided — the Knights have only managed two wins from their past 19 encounters with the Panthers. With both teams impacted by Origin selections, depth will be tested in what promises to be a rugged contest in the Central West.

Penrith are fresh off a bye, having drawn 30-all with the Cowboys in a 90-minute epic in Townsville the week prior. In that match, Blaize Talagi was electric, having a hand in all five of Penrith's tries. Brian To'o's strong return from injury, along with 90-minute efforts from Mitch Kenny and Isaah Yeo, kept the Panthers in the fight. However, with Origin duties, the side will be missing Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo, all representing New South Wales.

Coach Ivan Cleary has made sweeping changes, with just seven players backing up from last year's grand final-winning side. Brad Schneider will steer the ship at halfback, Daine Laurie slots in at fullback, and Thomas Jenkins and Casey McLean join the backline. Luke Garner shifts to the back row, with Lindsay Smith starting at lock and Matt Eisenhuth at prop. The bench sees the injection of Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki, and Jack Cole.

The Knights, meanwhile, are looking to stop a slide after suffering back-to-back losses, the latest a deflating 28-6 defeat at home to the Eels. Newcastle struggled to fire in attack, with James Schiller's late try the only joy in a match otherwise dominated by Parramatta. Kalyn Ponga's absence due to Origin, combined with injuries to Bradman Best, Jacob Saifiti, and Greg Marzhew, has left the Knights' lineup looking significantly different.

Coach Adam O'Brien has shifted young gun Fletcher Sharpe to fullback to cover Ponga, while a new halves pairing sees Tyson Gamble and Jack Cogger take over the playmaking duties. Kyle McCarthy comes in for just his second NRL match in the centres, prompting a reshuffle that moves Dylan Lucas back to the forward pack. Leo Thompson returns from a head knock and replaces Saifiti in the front row.

Last meeting: Round 22 2024 - Panthers 22 Knights 14

Who to watch: Blaize Talagi continues to impress in his breakout season at Penrith. With three tries in six games and an ever-growing influence in attack, he looms as a genuine threat every time he touches the ball.

Fletcher Sharpe's shift to fullback gives him the chance to show off his blistering pace and elusive footwork. With Newcastle's attack misfiring, his spark from the back will be crucial.

Favourite: The Panthers are clear favourites according to the latest odds.

My tip: Despite missing several stars, Penrith have built their dynasty on depth and resilience, and that "next man up" mentality should see them through. With the Knights struggling in attack and fielding another new halves combination, it's hard to see them breaking their current losing streak. Panthers by 12.

1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Preston Riki 12. Liam Henry 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Austin Dias 16. Luron Patea 17. Jack Cole 18. Trent Toelau 19. Zac Lipowicz 20. Jesse McLean 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Billy Phillips

1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Paul Bryan 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Jackson Hastings

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;